1981 Renault 18 vs. 1959 Rover P4
To start off, 1981 Renault 18 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Rover P4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Rover P4 would be higher. At 2,286 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Rover P4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Rover P4 (67 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1981 Renault 18. (66 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1959 Rover P4 should accelerate faster than 1981 Renault 18. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Rover P4 weights approximately 422 kg more than 1981 Renault 18. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Rover P4 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1959 Rover P4. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Renault 18, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1959 Rover P4 (169 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Renault 18. (124 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 1959 Rover P4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Renault 18.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Renault 18 | 1959 Rover P4 | |
| Make | Renault | Rover |
| Model | 18 | P4 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2068 cc | 2286 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 67 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2250 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 90.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1472 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2830 mm |
